Lipoxin analogs and methods for the treatment of periodontal disease

ABSTRACT

This invention provides new lipoxin analogs, compositions containing analogs, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease. The invention also provides for methods of treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease with compositions containing COX-2 inhibitors. Further, the invention provides methods for preventing systemic diseases beyond theoral cavity that are related to periodontal disease using the composition containing lipoxin analogs, COX-2 inhibitors, or both.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/539,728 filed Aug. 12, 2009 which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/239,444 filed Sep. 20, 2002 which is a national phase filing of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US01/09096 filed Mar. 20, 2001 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/190,656, filed Mar. 20, 2000.

GOVERNMENT INTEREST

This invention was made with Government Support under Contract Number DE13499 awarded by the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lipoxin compounds and COX-2 inhibitors. The present invention also relates to the treatment and prevention of oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease. Further, the invention relates to methods of preventing systemic diseases beyond the oral cavity that are related to periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Periodontal diseases, ranging from gingivitis to more severe forms of periodontitis, are initiated by a bacterial infection followed by a host response that may lead to a highly degenerative oral disease including tooth loss and tissue damage (Page, R. C. (1998) Ann. Periodontol. 3, 108). The current treatments of periodontal diseases, which affect a large percentage of the population, involve primarily the use of compositions containing antimicrobial compounds or various non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs).

Although bacteria appear to be essential for the causation of periodontitis, progression of periodontal disease is dependent on the host response to pathogens that colonize the tooth surface (Hart, T. C., et al. (1994) J. Periodontol. 65, 521). In turn, periodontal disease can be controlled chemotherapeutically by uncoupling host-mediated destruction rather than reducing the etiological load (Offenbacher, S. et al. (1993) J. Periodontol. 64, 432). Along these lines, a body of evidence has identified the inhibition of PGE₂ formation and its presence at gingival sites as being relevant therapeutic interventions. For example, PGE₂ generation from gingival homogenates is significantly inhibited by flurbiprofen (ElAttar, T. M. A., et al. (1984) J. Periodontol. 55, 536), and COX-derived eicosanoids in crevicular fluid (CF) are decreased in animals taking flurbiprofen (Smith, M. A., et al., (1993) Infection and Immunity 61, 1453; Offenbacher, S., et al. (1989) J. Periodontal Res. 24, 63). Flurbiprofen also reduced CF-PGE₂ levels, gingival inflammation, tooth attachment loss and bone loss, and in some cases resulted in bone gain (Pauletto, N. et al. (1997) J. Can. Dent. Assoc. 63, 824). In humans, flurbiprofen dramatically decreased the CF-PGE₂ levels (Abramson, M. M. et al. (1992) J. Periodont. Res. 27, 539). These findings suggest that NSAIDs may exert their pharmacological action of inhibiting COX derived proinflammatory eicosanoids within the periodontium and suggest that novel anti-inflammatory agents might be useful in managing periodontal diseases.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN, neutrophils) are the most abundant immune cells recruited to early inflammatory periodontal lesions and are the most numerous host cells within the periodontal tissues (Hart, T. C., et al. (1994) J. Periodontol. 65, 521). The presence of Gram-negative oral pathogens represents the primary etiologic factor, however, the progression of periodontal disease is dependent on the host response to pathogenic bacteria that colonize the tooth surface. Hence, recruitment of PMN followed by aberrant release of inflammatory mediators not only contributes to the onset of periodontal disease and is associated with rapid and widespread tissue destruction (Daniel, M. A., et al. (1996) J. Periodontol. 67, 1070), but can also be further amplified by the release of an array of inflammatory mediators by neutrophils within the periodontium.

It is well known that PMN participate in host defense against bacterial infections and are also involved in noxious inflammatory reactions (Weiss, S. J., et al. (1981) J. Clin. Invest. 68, 714; Babior, B. M. (1984) Blood 64, 959). Recruitment of neutrophils to the periodontium contributes to the progression of periodontal disease and to the destruction of periodontal tissues (Page, R. C. (1998) Ann. Periodontal. 3, 108; Daniel, M. A., et al., (1996) J. Periodontal. 67, 1070).

Several inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines and metalloproteases are associated with periodontal disease (Romanelli, R., et al. (1999) Infect. Immun. 67, 2319; Gainet, J., et al. (1998) Lab. Invest. 78, 755; Assuma, R., et al. (1998) J. Immunol. 160, 403). Other prominent mediators are the arachidonic add derived products, including leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) (Offenbacher, S. et al (1986) J. Periodontal Res. 21, 101). Indeed, many of the pathophysiological events that occur in periodontal diseases can be explained to a large extent by the activities of lipid mediators (Solomon, L. M., et al. (1968) J. Invest. Dermatol. 51, 280; Raisz, L. G., et al. (1974) Prostaglandins 8, 377; Klein, D. C., et al. (1970) Endocrinology 86, 1436; Crunkhorn, P., et al., (1969) Br. J. Pharmacol. 36, 216; Collier, J. G., et al. (1972) Br. J. Pharmacol. 44, 374). For example, LTB₄, a well appreciated and potent chemoattractant, also initiates the accumulation of leukocytes within inflamed sites, stimulates the release of granule-associated enzymes (Borgeat, P., et al. (1990) Clin. Biochem. 23, 459) and was recently found to stimulate bone resorption (Traianedes, K., et al., (1998) Endocrinology 139, 3178).

Along these lines, PGE₂ is a very potent stimulator of bone loss, which is held to be a hallmark of periodontal disease (Zubery, Y., et al. (1998) Infect. Immun. 66, 4158). PGE₂ is also well appreciated for its ability to directly mediate vasodilation, increase vascular permeability, enhance pain perception by bradykinin and histamine, alter connective tissue metabolism, and enhance osteoclastic bone resorption (Tsai, C.-C. et al. (1998) J. Dentistry 26, 97). The levels of PGE₂ are significantly elevated in the crevicular fluid (CF) of patients with periodontal infections, especially localized juvenile periodontitis, when compared to healthy sites. These levels correlate with disease severity and aggressiveness and constitute a reliable indicator of ongoing clinical periodontal tissue destruction (Offenbacher, S., et al., (1984) J. Periodontal Res. 19, 1). CF-PGE₂ levels can also be used to predict future acute loss of periodontal attachment (Offenbacher, S., et al. (1986) J. Periodontal Res. 21, 101).

Pathophysiological responses that occur in periodontal diseases, including inflammatory cell recruitment, edema, pain, bone resorption and collagen destruction, can be mediated for the most part by effector molecules originating from the arachidonate cascade (Solomon, L. M. et al. (1968) J. Invest. Dermatol. 51, 280; Raisz, L. G., et al. (1974) Prostaglandins 8, 377; Klein, D. C., et al. (1970) Endocrinology 86, 1436; Crunkhorn, P., et al. (1969) Br. J. Pharmacol. 36, 216; Collier, J. G., et al. (1972) Br. J. Pharmacol. 44, 374). In particular, considerable evidence has demonstrated the importance of PGE₂ in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. In vitro, PGE₂ increases osteoclast numbers and bone resorption (Lader, C. S., et al., (1998) Endocrinology 139, 3157), decreases proteoglycan synthesis and increases metalloprotease production by cultured chondrocytes (Debrumfernandes, A. J., et al. (1996) Br. J. Pharmacol. 188, 1597). Bone resorption in viva caused by three periodontal pathogens is mediated in part by PGE₂, causing tooth attachment loss and bone loss (Zubery, Y., et al. (1998) Infect. Immun. 66, 4158). Prior to these findings, PGE₂ was proposed as a reliable molecular indicator of ongoing periodontal tissue destruction that might be used to predict future acute periodontal attachment loss (Offenbacher, S., et al. (1986) J. Periodontal Res. 21, 101).

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (cyclooxygenase, COX) catalyzes two reactions by which arachidonic acid is converted to PGH₂, the common precursor of all prostanoids including PGE₂. To date, two COX isoforms are known (Smith, W. L., et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 33157). COX-1 appears to support the levels of prostanoid biosynthesis required for maintaining organ and tissue homeostasis (Smith, W. L., et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 33157; Vane, J. R., et al. (1996) Scand. J. Rheumatol. 102, 9), whereas COX-2 expression appears to be restricted in basal conditions within most tissues and is up-regulated during inflammation or stress in a wide range of tissues (O'Banion, M. K., et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 4888; Seibert, K., et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91, 12013; Needleman, P., et al. (1997) J. Rheumatol. 24, 6). The finding that homogenates of inflamed periodontal tissues display an increased PGE₂ synthetic capacity when compared to homogenates from healthy tissues suggests an increased COX activity is associated with periodontal tissues (ElAttar, T. M. A. (1976) Prostaglandins 11, 331; Albers, H. K., et al. (1979) Dtsch. Zahnarztl. Z. 34, 440; ElAttar, T. M. A., et al. (1982) Prostaglandins Leukot. Med. 8, 447; ElAttar, T. M. A., et al. (1984) J. Periodontol. 55, 536). Moreover, given the clearly deleterious actions of PGE₂ on the integrity of tissues of the periodontal pocket, both the potential involvement of the inducible COX isoform (COX-2) in periodontal disease and potential role of novel lipid mediators are of interest in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Lipoxins (LX) and aspirin-triggered LX (ATL) are arachidonic acid-derived bioactive lipids that are formed by interactions between individual lipoxygenases (LO) and appear to play an important role in downregulating neutrophil responses in inflammation (Serhan, C. N. (1997) Prostaglandins 53, 107). In the nanomolar range, LXA₄ and its 15R epimer (15-epi-LXA₄) triggered by aspirin each inhibit fMLP- and LTB₄-stimulated PMN adhesion and transmigration and hence represent potential counterregulatory signals operative in the resolution of inflammatory sites (Serhan, C. N. (1997) Prostaglandins 53, 107; Serhan, C. N., et al., (1996) FASEB J. 10, 1147; Takano, T., et al. (1997) J. Exp. Med. 185, 1693; Serhan, C. N. et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 14609). Like most autacoids and lipid mediators, LX are rapidly generated, act within a local microenvironment, and are rapidly enzymatically inactivated. The roles of LX and ATL roles in vivo, were studied by using metabolically stable LX and ATL analogs that were designed to resist rapid enzymatic inactivation and mimic the in vitro actions of naturally occurring LX and ATL (Serhan, C. N., et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 14609).

In addition to confirming the presence of LTB₄ and PGE₂, (Tsai, C.-C. et al., (1998) J. Dentistry 26, 97), it was shown for the first time that LXA₄ is produced by activated neutrophils from LJP patients. It was also shown that LXA₄ is present within the crevicular fluid from periodontitis patients with active disease. These results are the first demonstration that LJP peripheral blood neutrophils are in a primed state for LX generation. This in vivo “priming” for up-regulated lipoxin profiles was also observed with neutrophils isolated from asthmatic patients (Chavis, C., et al., (1996) J. Exp. Med. 183, 1633) and can be mimicked in vitro with cytokine-priming of neutrophils from healthy donors (Fiore, S., et al. (1990) J. Exp. Med. 172, 1451).

It was recently reported that LXA₄ and ATL analogs reduce leukocyte trafficking stimulated by TNF-α while concomitantly re-orientating the cytokine-chemokine axis towards an anti-inflammatory profile (Hachicha, M., et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 189, 1923). LX-ATL can thus protect host tissues via multilevel regulation of proinflammatory signals.

Periodontal disease has implications beyond the deleterious effects on oral tissues and structural integrity. Thus, periodontitis represents a potential risk factor for increased morbidity or mortality for several systemic conditions including cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, and diabetes (Page, R. C. (1998) Ann. Periodontol. 3, 108; Garcia, R. L, et al. (1998) Ann. Periodontol. 3, 339). Of great importance in this context, is the finding that the systemic presence of P. gingivalis up-regulates the expression of COX-2 (heart and lungs; FIG. 6) which is a marker of on-going inflammation (Herschman, H. R. (1998) Trends Cardiovasc. Med. 8, 145).

The recognition of the endogenous and multifaceted anti-inflammatory role of the lipoxins (Serhan, C. N. (1994) Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1212, 1; Serhan, C. N. (1997) Prostaglandins 53, 107), combined with the findings that both lipoxin A4 and lipoxin B4 are rapidly deactivated by dehydrogenation (Serhan, C. N.; et al. (1993) Biochemistry, 32, 6313; Maddox, J. F. et al. (1998) FASEB J., 12, 487) or co-oxidation (Sumimoto, H. et al. (1993) FEBS Lett., 315, 205; Mizukami, Y. et al. (1993) Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1168, 87; Mizukami, Y. et al. (1994) Eur. J. Biochem, 224, 959), led to the design and synthesis of a number of LX analogs with increased biostability (Serhan, C. N. et al. (1994) Biochemistry, 34, 14609). Several LX analogs of this type were reported to have interesting biological properties and therapeutic potential (Serhan, C. N. et al. (1994) Biochemistry, 34, 14609; Takano, T. et al. (1998) J. Clin. Invest. 101, 819). The use of lipoxin analogs for the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease as well as related systemic diseases, however, has not been described previously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides new lipoxin analogs, compositions containing these analogs, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease. In one embodiment, the these new compounds are structural analogs of biostable lipoxin compounds, such as lipoxin A₄, lipoxin B₄, or other related lipid mediators. Acceptable analogs include, but are not limited to, structural analogs of two series of lipoxins: LXA series (LXA₄/15-epi-LXA₄) and LXB series (LXB₄/15-epi-LXB₄).

The lipoxin analogs of the present invention contain four major components: (a) the carboxyl component, (b) the diol component, (c) the tetraene component, and (d) the alcohol component. Each of these components can possess a number of structural variations and still retain the key features necessary for lipoxin activity. Preferred compounds of the present invention generally belong either to the LXA series or the LXB series and can have structural modifications in one or more of the above components.

The compositions containing the lipoxin analogs can be in any form suitable for administration to a human or animal. Preferred forms of the compositions are those that can be administered topically to the oral cavity, for example, solutions, suspensions, dispersions, ointments, creams, pastes, powders, such as tooth powders, toothpastes, gels, lozenges, salve, chewing gum, mouth sprays, pastilles, sachets, mouthwashes, aerosols, tablets, capsules, and floss conjugated with LX analogs.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods for treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease with compositions containing COX-2 inhibitors. For example, compositions containing such compounds as celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib, can be administered to a human or animal in manners similar to those for administration of the lipoxin analog containing compositions.

Further, the invention provides methods for preventing systemic diseases beyond the oral cavity that are related to periodontal disease using the compositions containing lipoxin analogs, COX-2 inhibitors, or both. Such diseases include cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, and diabetes.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide lipoxin analogs, such as LXA and LXB analogs having lipoxin activity.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide compositions comprising lipoxin analogs, such as LXA and LXB analogs having lipoxin activity.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide compositions comprising lipoxin analogs and COX-2 inhibitors.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment and prevention of oral inflammation, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and other periodontal diseases.

It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment and prevention of aphthous ulcers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment and prevention of herpetic stomatitis.

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment and prevention of oral inflammation with compositions comprising lipoxin analogs.

It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment and prevention of oral inflammation with compositions comprising COX-2 inhibitors.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment and prevention of oral inflammation with compositions comprising lipoxin analogs and COX-2 inhibitors.

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment of systemic diseases associated with periodontal disease.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, and diabetes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment of conditions associated with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows that Activated PMN from LJP patients, but not from asymptomatic controls, generated LXA₄.

FIG. 2 demonstrates that P. gingivalis elicits leukocyte infiltration in vivo.

FIG. 3 illustrates that P. gingivalis induces COX-2 expression in human PMN.

FIG. 4 shows that LXA₄ analogs inhibit leukocyte infiltration in vivo.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the aspirin-triggered LX-analog, 15-R/S-methyl LXA₄, inhibits P. gingivalis-induced PGE₂ production in murine air pouch.

FIG. 6 demonstrates that P. gingivalis causes systemic up-regulation of COX-2 mRNA.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally, the present invention provides new lipoxin analogs, compositions containing these analogs, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, herpetic stomatitis, and other forms of periodontal disease. The invention also provides for methods of treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, herpetic stomatitis, and other forms of periodontal disease with compositions containing COX-2 inhibitors. Further, the invention provides methods for preventing systemic diseases beyond the oral cavity that are related to periodontal disease using the compositions containing lipoxin analogs, COX-2 inhibitors, or both.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides new lipoxin compounds that are structural analogs of biostable lipoxin compounds, such as lipoxin A₄, lipoxin B₄, or other related lipid mediator. The term structural analog as used herein means any molecule having the basic structural components of lipoxin compounds. That is compounds containing a carboxyl component, a diol component, a tetraene component, and an alcohol component. These components can be any size and can be joined to one another in any manner. Additionally, these components can contain various substituents or have some of their carbon atoms replaced, for example, by rings or heteroatoms. The compounds of the present invention retain lipoxin activity. However, the compounds of the present invention do not undergo the typical metabolic deactivation of the parent lipoxin compounds. Thus, the in vivo half life of the compounds of the present invention is significantly greater than the half life of the parent compounds. Acceptable analogs include, but are not limited to, structural analogs of two series of lipoxins: LXA series (LXA₄/15-epi-LXA₄) and LXB series (LXB₄/15-epi-LXB₄).

The lipoxin analogs of the present invention contain four major components: (a) the carboxyl component, (b) the diol component, (c) the tetraene component, and (d) the alcohol component. Each of these components can possess a number of structural variations and still retain the key features necessary for lipoxin activity. Preferred compounds of the present invention generally belong either to the LXA series or the LXB series and can have structural modifications in one or more of the above components. The following diagram provides the general formulas for lipoxin compounds of the LXA and LXB series.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lipoxin analog a one of the following structures bearing the designated

stereochemistry: In these structures, the R-groups are independently selected as follows:

-   -   R is hydrogen or a straight, branched, cyclic, saturated, or         unsaturated alkyl;     -   R¹, R², R¹², R¹³ are each independently selected from         -   hydrogen;         -   straight, branched, cyclic, saturated, or unsaturated alkyl             having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;         -   substituted alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein             the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents             selected from halo, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, aryloxy, amino,             alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, arylamino,             hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio, carboxy,             carboxamido, carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl;         -   substituted aryl or heteroaryl wherein the aryl or             heteroaryl is substituted with one or more substituent             selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl,             heteroaryl, carboxyl, and carboxamido; and         -   a group Z-Y,             -   wherein Z is a straight, branched, cyclic, saturated, or                 unsaturated alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;                 substituted lower alkyl wherein the alkyl is substituted                 with one or more substituents selected from halo,                 hydroxy, lower alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino,                 dialkylamino, acylamino, arylamino, hydroxyamino,                 alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio, carboxy, carboxamido,                 carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl; substituted aryl or                 heteroaryl wherein the aryl or heteroaryl is substituted                 with one or more substituents selected from alkyl,                 cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl, heteroaryl, carboxyl,                 and carboxamido; and             -   Y is selected from hydrogen; alkyl; cycloalkyl;                 carboxyl; carboxamido; aryl; heteroaryl; substituted                 aryl or heteroaryl wherein the aryl or heteroaryl is                 substituted with one or more substituents selected from                 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl, heteroaryl,                 carboxyl, and carboxamido;     -   R³ is selected from hydrogen; straight, branched, cyclic,         saturated, or unsaturated alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon         atoms;         -   substituted alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein             the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, lower             alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino,             arylamino, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio,             carboxy, carboxamido, carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl;         -   substituted aryl or heteroaryl, wherein the aryl or             heteroaryl is substituted with one or more substituents             selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl,             alkoxy, halo, aryl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, and carboxamido;             and     -   R⁴-R¹¹ are selected from a group consisting of:         -   hydrogen;         -   halo;         -   straight, branched, cyclic, saturated, or unsaturated alkyl             having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;         -   substituted alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein             the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents             selected from halo, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, aryloxy, amino,             alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, arylamino,             hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio, carboxy,             carboxamido, carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl;         -   substituted aryl or heteroaryl wherein the aryl or             heteroaryl are substituted with one or more substituent             selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl,             heteroaryl, carboxyl, and carboxamido;     -   R, R¹-R¹³ may be also connected to form one or more rings         containing 3 to 20 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 oxygen atoms or 1 to 6         nitrogen atoms.     -   A pair selected among the R¹-R¹³ groups may also be replaced         with a bond that generates a carbon-carbon double or triple bond         or a ring.

Examples of preferred compounds of the present invention are shown in Scheme 1. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration and in no way limit the scope of the present invention. Also contemplated as preferred compounds are the compounds shown in Scheme 1 wherein the carbon chains and rings shown in the structures additionally possess substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, arylamino, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio, carboxy, carboxamido, carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl.

Scheme 1 LXA₄ Series 15-epi-LXA₄ Series LXB₄ Series 15-epi-LXB₄ Series 1. Isomeric derivatives

2 .Substituted tetraenes

R = Me, Ph R = Me, Ph 3. Ring-substituted tetraenes

4. Benzo-substituted derivatives

5. Derivatives substituted at the alcohol or diol components

Y = CH₂ or O Y = CH₂ or O

6. Hydroxy-replacement derivatives

7. Carboxy-replacement derivatives

The lipoxin analogs of the present invention can be manufactured using conventional methods for producing the parent lipoxin compounds. The reactions necessary to add various functional groups, rings, bonds, and heteroatoms to the present compounds are well within the skill of the ordinary artisan.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides compositions containing these new lipoxin analogs. The new lipoxin analogs of the present invention can be formulated into compositions that are suitable for administration to a human or animal. The compounds can be administered by any suitable means. In general, suitable means of administration include, but are not limited to, topical, transdermal, oral, sublingual, nasal, buccal, rectal, and parenteral (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular) routes. In addition, the compositions can be incorporated into or covalently attached to polymers for topical use or for sustained delivery. The preferred method of administration is topical, for example, topical delivery to the oral cavity.

The compositions of the present invention can be in any form. These forms include, but are not limited to, solutions, suspensions, dispersions, ointments, creams, pastes, gels, powders, including tooth powders, toothpastes, lozenges, salve, chewing gum, mouth sprays, pastilles, sachets, mouthwashes, aerosols, tablets, capsules, transdermal patch, suppositories, and floss conjugated with LX analogs. Preferred forms of the compositions are those that can be administered topically to the oral cavity. Additionally, the lipoxin analogs of the present invention can be conjugated with or covalently linked to polymers, such as those that are conventionally used for the manufacture of dental floss. The lipoxin analogs can also be incorporated into polymers or biopolymers for the sustained release of the compounds. Further, the lipoxin analogs can be incorporated into liposomes for sustained release delivery.

The compositions of the invention can include other components. These components include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical carriers, binders, fillers, flavorants, and stabilizers. Additionally, the compositions of the present invention can contain additional active ingredients. For example, the compositions can contain COX-2 inhibitors in addition to the lipoxin analogs. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising COX-2 inhibitors in the absence of the lipoxin analogs.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides methods for the treatment and prevention oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, herpetic stomatitis, and other forms of periodontal disease with compositions containing the lipoxin analogs of the invention. These methods comprise administering to the patient having such a disease, a composition that comprises a lipoxin analog, a COX-2 inhibitor, or both a lipoxin analog and a COX-2 inhibitor.

The present inventors have identified for the first time by LC/MS/MS-based analyses, that eicosanoids are generated by peripheral blood neutrophils from periodontitis (e.g. LJP) patients. The present inventors have also found that LXA₄, PGE₂, and LTB₄ are present in human CF. Experiments revealed that CF from localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) patients contain prostaglandin (PG)E₂ and 5-lipoxygenase-derived product, leukotriene B₄, and the biosynthesis interaction product, lipoxin (LX)A₄. Neutrophils from peripheral blood of LJP patients, but not from asymptomatic donors, also generate LXA₄ suggesting a role for this immunomodulatory molecule in periodontal disease.

Further, examination of an animal model of leukocyte trafficking and activation of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an oral microbe clinically associated with periodontal disease, showed that this microbe potently and rapidly (<4 hr) attracts large numbers of leukocytes, primarily neutrophils (>80%) in viva. These data indicate that this mediator, PGE₂, might originate in part from the infiltrating leukocytes.

P. gingivalis also up-regulates the expression of COX-2 from infiltrating leukocytes. In addition, human PMN exposed to P. gingivalis also stimulates the expression of COX-2 (FIG. 3). These results indicate that the periodontal pathogens can attract leukocytes in vivo and induce leukocyte-COX-2. In light of the results described herein, the inducible COX isoform expressed in recruited leukocytes (local exudate) may be a major source responsible for production of PGE₂ found in the CF of periodontal disease patients (FIGS. 1, 3, and 5).

Given the large number of PMN recruited at inflammatory lesions in periodontal disease, the results described herein identify the PMN as a potential cellular primary target for therapeutic intervention. Metabolically stable lipoxin analogs (LX-ATL) have the potential of blocking PMN infiltration as well as reducing COX-2 derived PGE₂ present in gingival tissues. In this regard, topical application of the novel lipoxin analogs of the present invention, or of anti-neutrophil agents as described by Takano (Takano, T., et al. (1998) J. Clin. Invest. 101, 819; Hachicha, M. et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 189, 1923) as well as new selective COX-2 inhibitors as described by (Needleman, P. et al. (1997) J. Rheumatol. 24, 6; Herschman, H. R. (1998) Trends Cardiovasc. Med. 8, 145; Golden, B. D. et al. (1999) Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am. 25, 359), may prove to be advantageous in this disease and associated pain since it could eliminate potential unwanted side-effects (particularly renal effects in the elderly) associated with conventional methods of systemic delivery, such as with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

The present inventors have determined that metabolically stable lipid mediators can be used to control host response in periodontal disease and related conditions. Studies confirmed that topical administration of metabolically stable analogs of LX or ATL within the pouch cavity of mice potently blocked P. gingivalis induced neutrophil traffic in the dorsal air pouch model and lowered PGE₂ levels within exudates.

Together, the above findings identify PMN as an additional and potentially important source of PGE₂ in periodontal tissues. Moreover, they provide evidence for a novel protective role for LX in periodontitis, limiting further PMN recruitment and PMN-mediated tissue injury that can lead to loss of inflammatory barriers that prevent systemic tissue invasion of oral microbial pathogens.

Therefore, the present invention provides methods for treating or preventing oral inflammation, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, herpetic stomatitis, and other periodontal diseases by administering compositions containing the novel lipoxin compounds of the present invention. The active ingredient can be delivered over a wide range of doses depending upon the method of delivery and the condition to be treated or prevented. In general, active doses between about 1×10⁻¹⁵ grams and 1×10⁻³ grams are useful in the present invention. The compositions can be any of those described above and are preferably administered via topical delivery in the oral cavity.

The present invention also provides a method for the treatment or prevention of oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, herpetic stomatitis, and other periodontal diseases by administering compositions containing COX-2 inhibitors. Examples of COX-2 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib.

Advantageously, the present invention provides methods for treating or preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, herpetic stomatitis, and other periodontal diseases by administering compositions containing both lipoxin analogs of the present invention and a COX-2 inhibitor.

In view of their inhibitory impact on neutrophil recruitment and secondarily on PGE₂ levels, the lipoxin analogs of the present invention are beneficial to the host not only in the context of periodontitis, but also in a number of diseases which involve excessive PMN responses that can lead to losses in inflammatory barriers and increase invasion of systemic microbes. Blood borne P. gingivalis gives significant increases in the murine tissue levels of COX-2 mRNA associated with both heart and lungs, supporting a potential role for this oral pathogen in the evolution of systemic events.

The concept that a local infection by P. gingivalis may have a systemic impact on the status of the immune system, is further substantiated by the finding that P. gingivalis injected in the air pouch up-regulates COX-2 mRNA levels in the lung-associated tissues. In view of these results, an effective treatment of periodontal conditions is likely to have a beneficial impact on the prognosis of a number of systemic diseases.

Thus, the present invention is also related to methods for treating systemic diseases that are related to periodontal disease, such as cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, and diabetes. These methods comprise administering to the patient having such a disease, a composition that comprises a lipoxin analog, a COX-2 inhibitor, or both a lipoxin analog and a COX-2 inhibitor.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is further illustrated and supported by the following examples. However, these examples should in no way be considered to be further limit the scope of the invention. To the contrary, one having ordinary skill in the art would readily understand that there are other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention and/or the scope of the appended claims.

Example 1 Identification of Eicosanoids from Human Poly-Morphonuclear Leukocytes in Juvenile Periodontitis

It was previously suggested that localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) patients present altered lipid metabolism, including the 15-LO pathway (Noguchi, Z., et al. (1988) Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 33, 137). Therefore, we evaluated the capacity of peripheral blood PMN from LJP patients and periodontal disease from age, sex, and race matched controls to produce 5- and 15-LO-derived eicosanoids, as well as the LO interaction product LXA₄.

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from healthy volunteers and patients with juvenile periodontitis were obtained by gradient centrifugation of heparinized fresh venous blood using the method of Böyum (Böyum, A. (1968) Scand. J. Clin. Lab. Invest. Suppl. 21, 77). Resulting granulocyte suspensions contained fewer than 0.2% monocytes as determined by esterase staining, and viability was greater than 96% as determined by trypan blue dye exclusion.

Freshly isolated PMN (5×10⁶ cells) were suspended in 0.5 ml Hank's buffered saline with 1.6 mM Ca²⁺ and incubated with A23187 (4 μM) at 37° C. for 20 minutes. The incubations were stopped with two volumes of cold methanol and kept at −20° C. overnight. Protein precipitates were pelleted by centrifugation and washed twice with methanol. The supernatants were pooled, and the eicosanoids were extracted with Extract-Clean solid phase cartridges (500 mg C₁₈, Alltech Associates Inc., Deerfield, Ill.), using PGB₂ ([M-H]⁻=m/z 333) as an internal standard for extraction recovery calculations (Takano, T., et al. (1998) J. Clin. Invest. 101, 819). The methyl formate fractions were taken to dryness with a gentle stream of nitrogen and suspended in mobile phase for LC/MS/MS analyses. LC/MS/MS was performed employing an LCQ (Finnigan MAT, San Jose, Calif.) quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer system equipped with an electrospray ionization probe. Samples were injected into the HPLC component, comprised of a SpectraSYSTEM P4000 (Thermo Separation Products, San Jose, Calif.) quaternary gradient pump, a LUNA C18-2 (150×2 mm, 5 μm) column, and a SpectraSYSTEM UV2000 (Thermo Separation Products, San Jose, Calif.) UV/VIS absorbance detector. The column was eluted isocratically for 20 minutes with methanol/water/acetic acid (65:34.99:0.01, v/v/v) at 0.2 ml/min, followed by a 20 minute linear gradient to methanol/acetic acid (99.99:0.01, v/v), and into the electrospray probe. The spray voltage was set to 5-6 kV and the heated capillary to 250° C. Eicosanoids were quantitated by selected ion monitoring (SIM) for analyte molecular anions (e.g. [M-H]⁻=m/z 351.5 for LXA₄ and m/z 335.5 for LTB₄). Product ion mass spectra (MS/MS) were also acquired for definitive identification of the compounds.

Gingival CF from juvenile periodontitis patients was collected on periostrips (Ebersole, J. L. et al. (1980) J. Periodontal Res. 15, 621). The periostrips were placed in 50 μl of phosphate buffered saline with 20% Tween 20 and LXA₄, LTB₄, and PGE₂ were quantitated by specific ELISA analyses (Neogen Corporation, Lexington, Ky.). As determined by LC/MS/MS, recoveries of known amounts of LXA₄, LTB₄, and d₄-LTB₄ from periostrips were linear over a 100 pg to 10 ng range, with 82.7% (r²=0.996), 85.6% (r²=0.999), and 72.7% (r²=0.996) recovery, respectively.

PMN from both healthy donors and LJP patients, incubated with arachidonic acid, produced both 5- and 15-HETE from exogenous substrate, which were identified by LC/MS/MS and chiral phase HPLC analyses indicating that the alcohol at carbon 15 position of 15-HETE was in the S configuration, suggesting involvement of a 15-lipoxygenase. On the other hand, activated PMN produced LTB₄ and its omega-oxidation metabolite 20-OH-LTB₄, in addition to 5- and 15-HETE generated from endogenous sources of arachidonic acid (Table 1).

TABLE 1 Eicosanoids formed by activated peripheral blood PMN* 20-OH- LTB₄ LTB₄ 5-HETE 15-HETE ng ng ng ng Non-periodontal 29 76 0.51 0.11 disease donor LJP-001 11 42 0.00 0.46 LJP-002 28 103 0.38 0.04 LJP-003 24 150 0.05 0.52 LJP-004 24 63 4.10 0.65 *PMN (5 × 10⁶) from non-periodontal disease donors and LJP patients were isolated and suspended in 0.5 ml Hank's with 1.6 mM Ca²⁺ and incubated (20 min., 37° C.) in parallel with A23187 (4 μM). Samples were prepared for LC/MS/MS, and eicosanoids were identified by signature MS and MS/MS ions, and the quantities were calculated from the recovery of the internal standard (PGB₂). Values for activated PMN from non-periodontal disease donors are representative and consistent with those obtained for at least n = 6 healthy donors.

Activated PMN from LJP patients, but not from controls, namely asymptomatic individuals without evidence of clinically documented periodontal disease, also generated LXA₄ (FIG. 1). The presence of a number of enzymes involved in the production of lipid mediators, including 5-, 12-, 15-LO, COX-1 and COX-2, in leukocytes from periodontitic patients was also confirmed by RT-PCR. CF from periodontal disease, specifically patients with LJP were analyzed for the presence of key eicosanoids, including LXA₄, PGE₂ and LTB₄ from each major class of eicosanoid mediators. LXA₄ was also present in the crevicular fluid of patients (Table 2), suggesting a potential role for this immunomodulatory molecule (Serhan, C. N. (1997) Prostaglandins 53, 107) in the local inflammatory sequalae observed within the periodontium of patients with periodontal diseases. Moreover, both the proinflammatory COX and the 5-LO derived eicosanoids, PGE₂ and LTB₄ respectively, were also demonstrated in the CF (Tsai, C.-C. et al. (1998) J. Dentistry 26, 97).

TABLE 2 Crevicular fluid from LJP patients contain eicosanoids*. PGE₂ LTB₄ LXA₄ Amount: 10.2 ± 0.3 8.7 ± 0.2 1.7 ± 1.0 Ratio: 6.2 5.1 1 *Values represent the mean ± SEM for 10 determinations from 4 LJP patients (pg/μl-CF sample) from specific ELISA analyses. Ratios (relative to LXA₄) are indicated for each eicosanoid. Average CF volume: 0.70 ± 0.16 μl (mean ± SEM; n = 10).

Example 2 Recruitment of Murine Leukocytes into Air Pouches by Porphyromonas gingivalis

PMN recruitment to gingival sites and high PGE₂ levels are associated with periodontal disease (Offenbacher, S. et al. (1984) J. Periodontal Res. 19, 1; Noguchi, Z., et al. (1988) Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 33, 137). We therefore sought to determine the impact that P. gingivalis may have in vivo on leukocyte trafficking and COX-2 expression. To this end, we used a murine air pouch model to assess leukocyte infiltration and activation.

Six to eight week old male BALB/c mice were obtained from Taconic Farms (Germantown, N.Y.). Air pouches were raised on the dorsum by s.c. injection of 3 ml of sterile air on day 0 and day 3, and all experiments were carried out on day 6 (Sin, Y. M., et al. (1986) Ann. Rheum. Dis. 45, 873). Individual air pouches (one per mouse) were injected with either vehicle alone (0.1% ethanol), with 10 μg 15-R/S-methyl-LXA₄-me or with 10 μg 15-epi-16-phenoxy-LXA₄-me, followed by 500 μl of sterile PBS or ˜10⁵ cells of P. gingivalis strain A7436 (OD₆₀₀ 0.9-1.0) originally obtained from the CF of a patient diagnosed with periodontitis. Mice were sacrificed 4 hr post-injection and individual air pouches were lavaged three times with sterile PBS (3 ml for each lavage) (Sin, Y. M. et al. (1986) Ann. Rheum. Dis. 45, 873; Hachicha, M., et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 189, 1923). The exudates were centrifuged at 2000 rpm (5 min) and supernatants were taken and stored at −20° C. Cell pellets were suspended in PBS (200 μl) for enumeration by light microscopy, and 50 μl of each cell suspension were mixed with 150 μl 30% BSA and then centrifuged onto microscope slides at 500 RPM for 5 min using a cytospin centrifuge, air dried, and stained with Giemsa-Wright to identify individual cell type. Air pouch exudates were assessed for PGE₂ using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit (Cayman Chemical Co., Ann Arbor, Mich. [cross-reactivities in the PGE₂ EIA kit were <0.04% for 6-keto PGF_(1α) and <0.01% for LTB₄, thromboxane B₂ and arachidonic acid]). For intravenous procedures, 100 μl of the same P. gingivalis suspension were injected in the orbital plexus.

In these studies, P. gingivalis elicited a massive leukocyte infiltration into the air pouches. Approximately 10 million leukocytes were enumerated in the P. gingivalis-injected air pouch exudates (FIG. 2). This cell infiltration represents approximately three times more leukocytes than in air pouches injected with murine TNFα (Hachicha, M., et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 189, 1923). These inflammatory exudates were comprised predominantly of neutrophilic infiltrate that represented ˜80-85% of the total leukocytes recruited at 4 h. The remainder of the recruited leukocytes were mononuclear cell infiltrate ˜15-20%, consistent with earlier findings (Hachicha, M., et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 189, 1923), yet suggesting that P. gingivalis stimulates greater numbers of PMN in this model than murine TNFα. Also, in the present experiments, relatively few leukocytes were present in PBS-injected air pouch lavages. These results showed that P. gingivalis represents a potent stimulus for the recruitment of leukocytes, predominantly neutrophil infiltrate, within a localized site or cavity (i.e. dorsal pouch).

Example 3 Induction of COX-2 by Porphyromonas gingivalis

It is well known that COX-2 is induced in human PMN by a number of inflammatory mediators, including Escherichia coli (Pouliot, M., et al. (1998) FASEB J. 12, 1109). We determined that P. gingivalis also directly stimulates COX-2 expression in PMN freshly isolated from peripheral blood.

Total RNA isolation and hybridization were performed essentially as in Pouliot, M., et al., (1998) FASEB J. 12, 1109. Briefly, filters were hybridized with human or mouse COX-2 cDNA probes which were synthesized by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The primers used were: 5′-GCT GAC TAT GGC TAC AAA AGC TGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 1) and 5′-ATG CTC AGG GAC TTG AGG AGG GTA-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 2) for human COX-2; 5′-AAC TCC CAT GGG TGT GAA GGG A-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 3) and 5′-CCA AAG ATA GCA TCT GGA CGA G-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 4) for mouse COX-2. Integrity of the RNA and equal loading on agarose/formaldehyde gels were verified by hybridization with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The observed COX-2 mRNA band was approximately 4.6 kb. Autoradiograms were scanned using an Epson 636 scanner (Epson America). For RT-PCR analyses, total RNA was extracted by homogenizing tissues in Trizol (Gibco-BRL, Grand Island, N.Y.), according to the manufacturer's instructions. One μg of total RNA was used in each reaction using Titan One tube RT-PCR (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Indianapolis, In.). Reverse transcription (RT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were sequentially performed according to the following profile: 50° C. for 30 min for RT, then 94° C. for 30 s; 60° C. for 30 s; 72° C. for 1 min; repeated 35 times for PCR, followed by a final extension at 72° C. for 10 min. Primers used for mouse COX-2 were identical to those mentioned above and the expected PCR product was 1.0 kb in length. For the detection of P. gingivalis in mouse tissues, primers specific for 16S ribosomal RNA of the bacteria (Genbank accession number: L16492) were utilized: 5′-GGC AGG CGG AAT TCG TGG TGT A-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 5) and 5′-GAT GTA AGG GCC GTG CTG ATT TGA-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 6). PCR products, both for P. gingivalis ribosomal RNA and mouse GAPDH, had an expected length of 0.5 kb. Samples were migrated on 1% agarose gel containing ethidium bromide and photographs of the gels were taken under UV illumination. All densitometry analyses were performed using the National Institute of Health Image program, which can be found at the following web site: (http://rsb.info.nih.gov) and is incorporated by reference herein.

Indeed, P. gingivalis increased the levels of COX-2 mRNA in a time-dependent fashion when compared to that from vehicle-treated PMN (FIG. 3). An increase was first observed at 1 hr and COX-2 mRNA levels further increased in presence of the bacteria, compared to vehicle alone, for up to 3 hr. The expression of COX-2 in leukocytes which migrated into the air pouch cavity, as described in Example 2, was also determined. As assessed by northern blot, COX-2 expression was up-regulated in these activated leukocytes (see FIG. 5 insert). These results indicated that oral pathogens associated with periodontal diseases such as P. gingivalis up-regulate COX-2 expression in human PMN and in infiltrating leukocytes. These results provide direct support for the hypothesis that neutrophils, which constitute the first and most numerous inflammatory cell type migrating to local gingival tissues in periodontal disease, may constitute a previously unappreciated source of COX-2 derived eicosanoids, including PGE₂, in the periodontium.

Example 4 LX Analogs Inhibit Porphyromonas gingivalis-Elicited Leukocyte Infiltration and Trafficing of COX-2 In Vivo

In view of the finding that LXA₄ and aspirin-triggered LX (LX-ATL) analogs reduce leukocyte trafficking stimulated by TNFα in the murine air pouch (Hachicha, M. et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 189, 1923) and because PMN are the most abundant inflammatory cells recruited to pathogen-infected gingival sites in periodontal disease, we evaluated the impact of the metabolically stable LX-ATL analogs 15-R/S-methyl LXA₄ and 16-phenoxy LXA₄ on the recruitment of leukocytes into murine air pouches by P. gingivalis.

Air pouches (see Example 2) were injected either with vehicle, with 15-R/S-methyl LXA₄ (10 μg/pouch), or with 16-phenoxy LXA₄ (10 μg/pouch) then injected with viable P. gingivalis, as in FIG. 4. In these experiments, LX-ATL analogs dramatically reduced the recruitment of leukocytes into the air pouches exudate. Both analogs were essentially equipotent inhibitors of leukocyte infiltration, decreasing leukocytes within the exudates by up to 75% with as little as 10 μg application (FIG. 4).

Since PGE₂ is associated with loss of attachment and bone loss in periodontal disease (Offenbacher, S., et al. (1992) J. Periodontal Res. 27, 207), we determined PGE₂ levels in the air pouch exudates. Air pouches injected with P. gingivalis (see Example 2) contained elevated PGE₂ levels compared to those of vehicle-injected air pouches (FIG. 5). P. gingivalis stimulated the production of nanogram levels of PGE₂ in the exudates, which paralleled the up-regulated expression of COX-2 in infiltrating leukocytes (FIG. 5, insert). The ATL analog 15-R/S-methyl LXA₄, inhibited PGE₂ production generated in response to the oral pathogen, decreasing PGE₂ levels in the exudates by as much as 75%. This inhibition in PGE₂ levels paralleled the decrement in leukocytes observed within the exudate (FIG. 4). Also, the expression of COX-2 was evaluated in exudate leukocytes. 15-R/S-methyl LXA₄ within the air pouch decreased the overall expression of COX-2 in exudates (FIG. 5, insert). These results indicate that P. gingivalis induces the in vivo expression of COX-2 within infiltrating leukocytes as well as the production of PGE₂. Moreover they indicate that LX-ATL are potent regulators of PGE₂ production in air pouch exudates as a consequence of inhibiting leukocyte transmigration and reducing COX-2 mRNA levels.

Given the large number of MIN recruited at inflammatory lesions in periodontal disease, these results identify the PMN as a potential cellular primary target for therapeutic intervention. LX-ATL have the potential of blocking PMN infiltration as well as reducing COX-2 derived PGE₂ present in gingival tissues.

These findings support the concept that LXA₄, which has an immunomodulatory action, may be involved in the regulation of the local acute inflammatory responses in periodontal disease. Moreover, these results indicate that LX-ATL analogs, which are topically active (Takano, T. et al. (1997) J. Exp. Med. 185, 1693), are potent inhibitors of P. gingivalis-elicited leukocyte migration towards a site of infection. These analogs also concomitantly reduce the overall levels of COX-2 mRNA associated with inflammatory exudates, which was accompanied by a decreased production of PGE₂. Overall, these results provide evidence for a potential role for lipoxins in the host defense mechanisms evoked by P. gingivalis. Based on these findings, it can also be expected that lipoxin analogs would have useful for the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease.

Example 5 Systemic Up-Regulation of COX-2 Expression by Porphyromonas gingivalis

Because COX-2 expression is up-regulated in acute and chronic inflammatory situations (Herschman, H. R. (1998) Trends Cardiovasc. Med. 8, 145), we determined the systemic impact that P. gingivalis may have by evaluating selected organ-associated levels of COX-2 mRNA. It should be noted that COX-2 was initially identified as an early response gene (Herschman, H. R. et al. (1993) J. Lipid Mediat. 6, 89).

A suspension of P. gingivalis, or an equivalent volume of sterile PBS, was injected in the orbital plexus of the mice. After 4 hr, animals were sacrificed and COX-2 mRNA levels were determined in the heart and lungs. Intravenous injection of P. gingivalis caused a significant increase in the levels of COX-2 mRNA associated with the heart and lungs (FIG. 6). P. gingivalis-specific 16S ribosomal RNA (Example 3) was readily observed in the heart and lungs from mice injected with the oral pathogen, and was absent in tissue samples from the PBS-injected animals (FIG. 6, insert).

These findings show that the systemic presence of P. gingivalis up-regulates expression of COX-2 (heart and lungs; FIG. 6), a marker of on-going inflammation (Herschman, H. R. (1998) Trends Cardiovasc. Med. 8, 145). The concept that a local infection by P. gingivalis may have a systemic impact on the status of the immune system was further substantiated by results obtained in pilot studies, where P. gingivalis injected in the air pouch up-regulated COX-2 mRNA levels in the lung-associated tissues.

In view of these results, an effective treatment of periodontal conditions is likely to have a beneficial impact on the prognosis of a number of systemic diseases. LXA₄ and ATL analogs reduce leukocyte trafficking stimulated by TNFα while concomitantly re-orientating the cytokine-chemokine axis towards an anti-inflammatory profile (Hachicha, M. et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 189, 1923). LX-ATL can thus protect host tissues via multilevel regulation of proinflammatory signals. In view of their inhibitory impact on neutrophil recruitment and secondarily on PGE₂ levels, LX-ATL may be beneficial to the host not only in the context of periodontitis, but also in a number of diseases which involve excessive PMN responses that can lead to losses in inflammatory barriers and increase invasion of systemic microbes.

These results demonstrate the capacity of P. gingivalis to up-regulate COX-2 expression systemically in a murine model, supporting a potential role for this oral pathogen in the evolution of systemic events. Indeed, evidence is accumulating to support the notion that periodontal disease may affect, and worsen, systemic diseases such as coronary heart disease, preterm labor and diabetes mellitus (Page, R. C. (1998) Ann. Periodontol. 3, 108) and that brushing or trauma to an inflamed gingival site can lead to septicemia (Silver, J. G., et al. (1979) J. Clin. Priodontol 6, 33).

Therefore, the present invention, by controlling PMN responses in periodontitis also offers a novel approach for the treatment and prevention of a variety of systemic diseases. 

1. A compound of formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A composition comprising a compound of formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 3. The composition of claim 2, further comprising a COX-2 inhibitor.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the COX-2 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib.
 5. The composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of solutions, suspensions, dispersions, ointments, creams, pastes, powders, toothpastes, gels, lozenges, salve, chewing gum, mouth sprays, pastilles, sachets, mouthwashes, aerosols, tablets, capsules, and floss conjugated with the compound.
 6. The composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of solutions, suspensions, dispersions, gels, and mouthwashes.
 7. The composition of claim 2, wherein the composition is a mouthwash.
 8. The composition of claim 2, wherein the compound is incorporated into, conjugated with, or covalently linked to a polymer or biopolymer.
 9. A method of treating an oral inflammation in a human or animal comprising administering to the human or animal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition further comprises a COX-2 inhibitor.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the COX-2 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with a disease selected from the group consisting of gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, and herpetic stomatitis.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with gingivitis.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with periodontitis.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with aphthous ulcers.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with herpetic stomatitis.
 17. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition is administered topically to the oral cavity.
 18. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of solutions, suspensions, dispersions, ointments, creams, pastes, powders, toothpastes, gels, lozenges, salve, chewing gum, mouth sprays, pastilles, sachets, mouthwashes, aerosols, tablets, capsules, and floss conjugated with the compound.
 19. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of solutions, suspensions, dispersions, gels, and mouthwashes.
 20. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition is a mouthwash.
 21. The method of claim 9, wherein the compound is incorporated into, conjugated with, or covalently linked to a polymer or biopolymer.
 22. A method of preventing an oral inflammation in a human or animal comprising administering to the human or animal a composition comprising a prophylactically effective amount of the compound of formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the composition further comprises a COX-2 inhibitor.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the COX-2 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with a disease selected from the group consisting of gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, and herpetic stomatitis.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with gingivitis.
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with periodontitis.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with aphthous ulcers.
 29. The method of claim 22, wherein the oral inflammation is associated with herpetic stomatitis.
 30. The method of claim 22, wherein the composition is administered topically to the oral cavity.
 31. The method of claim 22, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of solutions, suspensions, dispersions, ointments, creams, pastes, powders, toothpastes, gels, lozenges, salve, chewing gum, mouth sprays, pastilles, sachets, mouthwashes, aerosols, tablets, capsules, and floss conjugated with the compound.
 32. The method of claim 22, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of solutions, suspensions, dispersions, gels, and mouthwashes.
 33. The method of claim 22, wherein the composition is a mouthwash.
 34. The method of claim 22, wherein the compound of is incorporated into, conjugated with, or covalently linked to a polymer or biopolymer. 